The Denver Broncos announced that mascot Thunder IV, along with its owner, rider, and handler, are retiring from their current roles.
This transition marks a fundamental shift in how the franchise manages its most visible sideline tradition. For over three decades, the mascot operated through a private partnership rather than as a direct employee of the organization.
Sharon Magness-Blake, the owner of the horse, is stepping down alongside rider Ann Judge and the mascot's handler [1]. The team will now assume full ownership of the mascot moving forward [2].
This partnership began in 1993 when the first Thunder started running at Broncos games [1]. Since that time, the franchise has utilized four different horses to maintain the mascot lineage [1].
Ann Judge joined the tradition later, beginning her tenure as the rider in 1998 [1]. The retirement comes after 33 years of service from the team behind the mascot [1]. While some reports suggest the tenure was nearly 30 years, primary records indicate the full 33-year span [1], [2].
Thunder IV has become a staple of the game-day experience in Denver, Colorado. The horse and its team are responsible for the high-energy gallops across the field that signal the team's entrance and celebrate key plays.
The Broncos have not yet named the new handler or rider who will take over the duties under the new team-owned structure. The organization has not specified if a new horse will be introduced or if Thunder IV will remain the primary mascot under the new ownership model.
“The team will now assume full ownership of the mascot moving forward.”
By moving the mascot from private ownership to team ownership, the Denver Broncos are centralizing their brand management. This shift eliminates the reliance on external contractors for a core part of the game-day spectacle and allows the franchise to have direct control over the selection and training of future horses and handlers.
